Lucian—now Ashen—was beginning to understand something.
The world didn't reward goodness.It rewarded ruthlessness.
The moment he chose the villain's path, everything changed. His senses sharpened. The air tasted different. Even the System itself seemed to speak with a new tone—less like a guide, more like a partner in crime.
[Quest Update: Survive the Night in the Black Cup Tavern]Reward: Shadow Cloak (Rare), +200 EXP, +2 Infamy]
He was halfway through planning an escape route when the tavern's doors were kicked open.
BOOM.
The whole tavern fell silent. A woman stepped through the smoke, dressed in red leather armor, her cloak trailing like blood behind her.
But it was her eyes that froze the room.
Crimson. Like they'd been dipped in fire.
"Which of you bastards calls himself Ashen?" she said.
Lucian didn't flinch. He stood.
"I do."
She smiled like a wolf.
"Good. The guild wants you dead."
[New Enemy Encountered: Selena, Blood-Hunt Class]Threat Level: LethalReputation Bonus for Survival: +500Unique Drop: "Blood Core Skill Book"
Before he could blink, she was on him.
Lucian barely dodged, flipping over a table as her dagger sliced through wood like air.
His System blinked with urgent red notifications.
[Skill: Blink Step – UNLOCKED (Temporary)]
He used it.
With a flash of shadow, he was behind her—but she was faster.
Her heel smashed into his ribs and launched him through the bar. Glass shattered. Blood filled his mouth.
"This isn't a fight. This is a message."
Lucian pulled himself up, one hand glowing faintly with corrupted System energy.
"System," he growled. "Anything else you're hiding from me?"
[Yes. Unlocking Dark Core Limit Mode (WARNING: Irreversible). Proceed?]
"Do it."
The tavern darkened.
The patrons fled.
Selena paused mid-step as the shadows curled around Lucian's body, coating his arms in dark flame.
[Villain Transformation: Shadow Core Unleashed]+50% Attack Speed+80% Magic ResistanceNew Passive: Pain Feeds Power
Lucian stood up—blood dripping, eyes glowing with dark energy.
She lunged again.He didn't dodge.
He caught her dagger in one hand.
SNAP. The blade shattered.
Before she could react, his fist buried itself into her gut. The shockwave sent her flying through the tavern wall into the night.
[Victory Achieved: Lethal-Class Opponent Repelled]+Blood Core Skill Book Acquired+Level Up: LVL 6 → LVL 7+Stat Bonus: Villain Potential Increased
Lucian dropped to one knee, chest heaving, skin steaming.
The System's voice was calm now, approving.
"You've made your mark, Ashen. The underworld knows your name."
And just as he began to stand again, a whisper slid through the broken door.
"You really are something else."
He looked up.
Another figure stepped through the smoke.
This one was smiling. Calm. Confident.
He wore a black crown.
"Welcome to the game, Villain. My name is King Nyx. And you just stepped onto the board."
END OF CHAPTER 4